Pilonidal sinus
What is pilonidal sinus?
A pilonidal sinus is a problem in the natal cleft (area just above the buttocks), which can cause infection. The condition usually affects young adults, happening in 1 in 100 young men. It is less common in women.
Your surgeon has recommended an operation for your pilonidal sinus. However, it is your decision to go ahead with the operation or not. This leaflet will give you information about the benefits and risks to help you make an informed decision.
How does pilonidal sinus happen?
Loose hairs fall off the neck or back and collect in the natal cleft. The hairs can cause small holes to form in the skin or can get into existing holes.
As the hairs carry bacteria, the holes can become infected. This causes an abscess to orm or a discharge that is released through a tunnel (sinus) out into the skin. Sometimes the sinus can be quite widespread, with branches and pockets of infection.
What are the benefits of surgery?
Surgery is the most dependable way to remove the pilonidal sinus. Once the area has been fully healed, the infection and any discharge do not usually come back.
Are there any alternative to surgery?
If an abscess has not formed and you have not had any discharge for the sinus for a while, there is not an immediate need to have the operation.
You can treat an occasional discharge with antibiotics. However, the infection is likely to come back.
What will happen if I decide not to have the operation?
You may not have any further problems. However the area can keep on getting infected, causing an abscess or a persistent discharge that can continue for years.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes about an hour. your surgeon will remove the sinus and infected tissue, sometimes over a large area
At the end of the operation, your surgeon will decide either to close the wound with stitches or leave it to open. If your surgeon closes the wound with stitches, they will usually place a drain (small tube) in the wound for a day or two. If your surgeon leaves the wound open, they will place a pack in the wound.
Before the operation, your surgeon can discuss with you if closing the wound with stitches is likely.
What should I do about my medication?
You should continue your normal medication unless you are told otherwise. Let your surgeon know if you are on Warfarin or Clopidogrel. Follow your surgeon’s advice about stopping this medication before the operation.
What complications can happen?
The healthcare team will try to make your operation as safe as possible. However, complications can happen. Some of these can be serious and you can cause death. You should ask your surgeon if there is anything you do not understand. Any numbers which relate to risk are from studies of people who have had this operation. Your surgeon may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for you.
The future
Occasionally the pilonidal sinus comes back (risk: 1 in 9). It is important to keep the area free from hairs and as clean as possible to reduce this risk.
Summary
Pilonidal sinus is a common problem in young people and is best treated by surgery. It can cause an abscess or persistent discharge.
Surgery is usually safe and effective. However, complications can happen. You need to know about them to help you make an informed decision about surgery. Knowing about them will also help to detect and treat any problems early.
